My Muse Shines the Light

​Throughout the year I have shared with readers my journey in writing the third book in my Ian Murphy trilogy.  Writing about the experience is therapeutic and my way of sharing the journey with other writers.  Each writer’s journey is very individualistic although we share many things in common.
I have had detours, roadblocks, crushing doubt, and re-writing so far on the journey.  I have always planned a book of about 80,000 to 85,000 words and this week I reached 68,300 which is 80-85% complete.  From the outset my vision for the conclusion was that Ian learns to conquer his darkness and alcoholism by writing his memoir stage play and resolving all of his outstanding issues.  I also wanted to have other characters, Caitlin his sister, Brianna his niece and his new friend William all find what they are looking for.  In short – a grand feel good ending.
This week the dark cloud of darkness and doubt descended on me as I thought about how to craft the final chapters in the manuscript.  I felt uncomfortable with the direction I was taking.  I didn’t understand why after nine months working on the manuscript I was experiencing ennui.  The original ending I envisioned just didn’t feel honest.
Then the word “contrition” rose to the surface of my consciousness.  Ian didn’t express contrition.  I wrote to my muse Brigid and explained my dilemma.  I re-imagined the final scene in the book to have Ian publically express regret for his role in the IRA.  My view was incomplete and I was unsure of the authenticity so I asked Brigid for help.
Brigid suggested that at the end of the play Ian rush the stage and play himself in the final scene and give an impromptu speech expressing  contrition for life he had lead.  The audience would be stunned at his appearance on stage.  Ian’s final act becomes one of self-discovery and dead reckoning.  Ian learns and accepts who he is by understanding his past.  We are after all, the sum of all our decisions.
Brigid gave the ending that explosive finish and presented a path to build tension into the final chapter as Ian watches the play performed.  Ian will experience a euphoric moment – close curtains – THE END. My muse once again shines light into my writing life.